Urgent Call for Water Resources: Lorca Irrigation Community Appeals for New Reservoirs

Introduction

The agricultural community in Lorca is taking significant steps to secure water resources for the future. Amidst challenging hydrological circumstances, the Lorca irrigation community has formally requested that the Ministry for Ecological Transition expedite the environmental procedures necessary for the construction of three new regulating reservoirs. These reservoirs are crucial, as they are expected to contribute an additional 2.5 cubic hectometers of water to the region’s agricultural needs.

Progress Amid Challenges

Juan Marín, the president of the Lorca Community of Irrigators, expressed satisfaction with the community’s ability to distribute all water concessions during a year marked by hydrological difficulties. Moreover, the community successfully returned a water advance received two years ago from the Segura Hydrographic Confederation. This achievement highlights the community’s commitment to responsible water management.

Optimism for the New Hydrological Year

Looking ahead, Marín is cautiously optimistic about the new hydrological year. He anticipates that the irrigation community will benefit from:

– Water stored in the Entrepeñas and Buendía dams, which have recently reported a record accumulation of over 1,000 cubic hectometers.
– New concessions granted for the desalination plants in Torrevieja and Águilas.
– Regenerated water from the Turrilla wastewater treatment plant.

Request for Environmental Cooperation

During a recent meeting of the Lorca Irrigation Community’s Board of Directors, Marín revealed plans to meet with officials from the Ministry for Ecological Transition. The objectives of this meeting include:

– Accelerating the environmental processes for the awarding of three reservoirs in the Guadalentín Valley.
– Gaining the Spanish government’s assurance that, should Tajo River contributions decrease by 2027, there would be compensation with water from the Torrevieja desalination facility.

A Call for Responsible Water Management

Marín urges caution when assessing the irrigation situation, emphasizing the importance of not sending mixed messages to other provinces. Such communication could lead to overly ambitious agricultural expansions that may not be sustainable given the current water supply.

In a time when water resources are more critical than ever, the proactive measures taken by the Lorca irrigation community underscore the importance of coordinated efforts to secure and manage water for agricultural needs.

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